BMA adds armoured vehicles to patrol SA-Zim border along Limpopo River

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has added guards and armoured vehicles to patrol the border along the Limpopo River between South Africa and Zimbabwe. This comes amid continued smuggling across the border. The vehicles, donated by the private sector, are suitable for all-terrain use and can even drive in water.

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has recently implemented additional measures to bolster border control, including the addition of armoured vehicles for patrols along the Limpopo River. This step addresses ongoing smuggling activities across the South Africa-Zimbabwe border. BMA Assistant Commissioner Balene Mkhabela explained that the vehicles were donated by the private sector and include three units capable of navigating rough terrain.

"We are working in collaboration with them, they supplied us with three vehicles that are able to drive on the rough terrain on the border line and the third vehicle can actually drive at a rough terrain and it can even drive in the water, so at the river there we manage to catch these people because they use the very same water it can drive in the water so we are able to intercept and cut the self-made channels," Mkhabela said.

These vehicles aid in intercepting smugglers who exploit the river to create illegal channels. The initiative highlights collaboration between the BMA and private entities to enhance border security amid rising challenges.

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South African officials enforcing immigration at a border checkpoint with protesters in the background
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South Africa ramps up immigration enforcement amid protests

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The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration held a briefing on 14 June detailing enforcement actions following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s five-point plan on illegal immigration. Over 2,745 foreign nationals have been repatriated so far. The government warned against vigilantism as anti-migrant groups set a 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants to leave.

The Beitbridge Border Post in Musina anticipates traffic congestion starting Sunday night as Easter holidaymakers return home. Border Management Authority officials have deployed drones, body cameras, and armored vehicles to manage the surge and enhance security. Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato plans a walkabout from Monday to Wednesday.

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The Border Management Authority has confirmed that a bus intercepted on the N1 near Bloemfontein carrying undocumented Zimbabwean nationals was processed through the Beitbridge Port of Entry in line with procedures. Authorities detained 20 adults and placed 12 children in a place of safety after the stop. All 43 passengers' documents were verified as legitimate upon entry.

Military forces and Carabineros detected and halted over 30 trucks linked to smuggling in Central Citani, Tarapacá Region. The operation, part of the Northern Macrozona Border Strengthening Plan, created an immediate deterrent effect. Officials highlighted the use of technology for nighttime surveillance.

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Nelson Mandela Bay's safety and security department has spent only 18% of its R72-million capital budget by the end of February, drawing sharp criticism from councillors amid rising crime rates. Officials face pressure to restore key technologies like the gunshot detection system and the mobile surveillance vehicle known as Loerboer. Repairs on the vehicle are progressing, with a projected return by 30 May.

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